Lura Elizabeth Babb

Lura Elizabeth Southerland Babb was born on December 3, 1921 to James “Jim” Southerland and Mable Broyles Southerland and was raised in the Mohawk Community of Greene County. She married Robert “Hugh” Babb and moved into the Greeneville area where they had three children, Marsha Ann, Phillip Hugh, and Merrily Elizabeth. As a family, they attended Gass’ Memorial Church where she participated as long as her health permitted. She held the positions of Sunday School teacher, song leader and actively worked in the Cumberland Presbyterian Women. Lura always appreciated having visitors at her home and serving some of her delicious foods like fried chicken and homemade pies.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Marsha and Conley Riddle and her son, Phil, and his wife, Linda. She has four grandchildren: Robert Riddle, Karyn Felan and husband Scott, as well as David McIntosh and wife Katherine, and Travis McIntosh and wife Lisa. Great grandchildren include Macie, Matthew, and Micah Riddle, Jesse and Jenna Felan, and Will, Drew, and Lucas McIntosh. Survivors include her sister, Virgie Gray and her brother, Robbie “Bud” Southerland and his wife, Lennis, Joe and O’Dean Babb, and Hilda Hawk, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Family that have preceded her are husband, Hugh; daughter, Merrily; as well as a sister and brother-in-law, Neva and Albert Harmon; brothers: Grady, Lynn, Bill and his wife, Melvia, James “Jay” and his wife Helen, and Don and his wife, Geraldine Southerland; and a brother-in-law and sisters-in-law: Ray and Dorothy Babb and Jennie Grace Justis.

Many thanks are extended to all who helped care for Lura and see that her needs were met during the past three years. The family appreciated all the love given to her while at Durham Hensley Health and Rehab in Chuckey by the staff, her family, and her friends.

The family will receive friends 1-3 and 5-7pm Wednesday at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home. Following visitation, the funeral service will be conducted at 7pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Rex Brown and Dan Dugger officiating.

Interment will follow at 1:30pm Thursday at GreeneLawn Memory Gardens. Family and friends are requested to meet at the cemetery for the committal service.

Pallbearers will be Robert Riddle, Scott Felan, David McIntosh, Travis McIntosh, Jimmy McAmis, Jimmy Southerland, Jerry Hankins, and Frank Southerland.